Insight and Thought Leadership from A.W. Hastings – supporting excellent experiences for the Marvin Family of Brands in New England and Eastern New York, and building great relationships along the way!

Tag Archives: Architect

Stonington, CT, Dec. 12, 2016 –It was an architect’s dream assignment: design the ideal window free from any code requirements or design constraints. The inspiration for Architect Michael McKinley’s window comes from the coast. The design, a French outswing, is painted a hazy blue and is framed in a grey weathered mahogany.

“The gesture of opening the sashes to a sunny salt marsh, beach and ocean creates an intriguing and memorable image. The color of the sash reminds me of sea glass and I see the natural mahogany frame and trim weathering to driftwood,” explains McKinley.

The window interior and exterior have the same detailing so when the window is open, the light blue sash embraces the exterior and weathered mahogany frame.

ABX 2016 – Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The window was recently on display at ArchitectureBoston Expo or ABX, one of the largest building and design trade shows in the country. A.W. Hastings, the New England Distributor for Marvin Windows and Doors and the display sponsor, set out to “peer into the creative minds” of a select group of architects by challenging of them to design a window in the color, glass and style of their choice. While most of the other designs emphasized ornate sash patterns and traditional colors, the “McKinley Window” is a simple three pane form that is distinguished by its operation and palette of colors and materials.

Michael McKinley, Architect

The “McKinley Window” is meant to inspire architects, builders and clients to think out of the box. Window and door detailing is critical to the success of any building.

If you are designing or renovating a home, here are some things to consider when selecting your windows:

A Window’s geometry, size, shape and sequence create an overall personality for both the exterior and interior of your home.

Windows don’t have to be white! Color adds interest and character so consider using a color even if it is a neutral shade. Today, most windows are clad with aluminum or vinyl and come in many standard colors.

You’ll want to study your window color in the field by painting a window mockup that can be viewed next to the exterior siding.

Designed by Ron Lamarre of Lavallee I Bresinger Architects, the new Student Center at Manchester Community College in Manchester, NH is a contemporary space that brings the campus out of the 60s. The building was built to provide a place for students to lounge, learn, collaborate, dine and exercise, while also improving the school’s overall image.

2013 Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Award Winner George Gakidis of Gakidis & Stewart designed the Wychmere Pool Bar Pavilion in Harwich Port, MA as an open air gathering space with full views of the ocean and pool. He chose Integrity Wood-Ultrex IMPACT Casement, Awning, and Polygon windows for their durability against the coastal climate.

The 2014 Red Diamond Achiever Program is accepting submissions through June 26th, 2014. This annual program is a chance for builders to share their projects where Integrity products are used to create a unique solution or on jobs with interesting stories. See the current 2014 entries and submit or nominate a project at integritywindows.com/Red-Diamond-Achiever-Award-Program.

The owners of this 1950s Cape were looking to remodel their home to better fit their growing family and fit in with the established architectural style of their “Old Hill” neighborhood. Integrity windows and patio doors were used to increase energy efficiency and add natural lighting throughout the home. Learn more about this remodel and the architect responsible for the beautiful transformation in the video below.

The Marvin Architect’s Challenge has returned for its sixth year. This annual challenge is a chance for architects to show off their best work that displays architectural creativity and features Marvin Windows and Doors. See more winning projects at marvin.com/window-door-ideas/architects-challenge.

2012 Marvin Architect’s Challenge Winner James Estes was inspired by the simple, no frills architecture of Block Island’s early designs, this project celebrates the island’s tradition with a more lively twist.

The Marvin Architect’s Challenge has returned for its sixth year. This annual challenge is a chance for architects to show off their best work that displays architectural creativity and features Marvin Windows and Doors. See more winning projects at marvin.com/window-door-ideas/architects-challenge.

The Brattleboro Cooperative Building is a new construction multi-use commercial building that houses a co-op food store, office space, and affordable apartments in downtown Brattleboro, VT. Hear from architect Gregg Gossens, Windham & Windsor Housing Trust Director of Housing Isaac Wagner, and Infinity Windows by Marvin retailer Josh Druke from WW Building Supply in this video that details the energy efficiency and community revitalization goals for this project.

Some great news to end the week! Marvin’s website has undergone some big improvements to help anyone access technical information more easily. The newly created Technical Resources tab, which replaces the Sizes, Performance, and Specs tab, offers fresh functionality and streamlines access to everything from ADM pdfs to Installation docs to 2D and 3D drawings – all readily available with an easy click. No need to scroll down a long list of items to search for information! Also new – all documents accessible on this page are directly linked to source documentation.

You will also note the new tool listed in the Energy Data category – a handy reference to NFRC values for commonly ordered products. This tool allows users to select from variables such as divided lite and glazing options to get resulting NFRC performance values, and links to the NFRC window rating system site for additional product information.

Hastings’ Project Manager Betsy Ellery called it a “real home run” – and we think you will agree! Check out this great new resource today!